Things to do in Masuria - Close to it all far from the crowds

NatureŁuknajnoc. 34 min

Lake Łuknajno nature reserve

A UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the most important places to watch mute swans. Silence, telescopes and an open horizon.

By the waterMrągowoc. 27 min

Promenade on Lake Czos

A long walk by the water past the pier, the beach, the amphitheatre and green squares. The natural route for exploring Mrągowo.

ViewpointsMrągowoc. 27 min

Mrągowo pier

A short walk out into Lake Czos and a good spot for morning coffee, a panorama photo or a moment's rest.

For families

CultureMrągowoc. 29 min

Amphitheatre on Lake Czos

One of the best-known open-air stages in Poland. In summer the calendar fills up with concerts and festivals by the water.

By the waterMrągowoc. 27 min

Mrągowo Ekomarina

A modern marina on Lake Czos with equipment hire, a sailing atmosphere and an easy place to start a day on the water.

ViewpointsMrągowoc. 26 min

Mrągowo Tower

The restored Bismarck Tower in Sikorski Park. At the top a panorama of the town and the rolling Masurian landscape awaits.

CultureMrągowoc. 27 min

Mrągowo Museum

The history of the Mrągowo area, local archaeology, old crafts and the region's nature, shown in the historic town centre.

Rainy day

HistoryMrągowoc. 24 min

Museum of Military Equipment

A large private collection of military vehicles and hardware. Some exhibits can be seen in motion or from the inside.

For families

NatureMarcinkowoc. 25 min

Markiewicz Show Gardens

Several themed gardens, a butterfly house and peaceful paths in Marcinkowo. Especially lovely from late spring.

For families

ActiveMrągowoc. 31 min

Góra Czterech Wiatrów

A ski slope in winter and, out of season, a wide viewpoint over Lake Czos and the goal of a short active outing.

For families

NatureMrągowoc. 29 min

Spring of Love (Źródełko Miłości)

A forest nook on the trail around Lake Czos, wrapped in a local legend. Best combined with a longer walk.

NatureMrągowoc. 26 min

General Sikorski Park

A green park on a hill with paths, open-air sculptures and the way up to the viewing tower. Good for a quiet hour.

For families

For familiesMrągowoc. 28 min

Town beach on Lake Czos

A lifeguarded bathing area with jetties and facilities for families. A simple plan for a sunny afternoon close to the centre.

For families

CulturePieckic. 13 min

Regional Museum in Piecki

A unique collection of clay figurines, Masurian keepsakes and the stories of Walentyna Dermacka. A small museum with great character.

Rainy day

For familiesKadzidłowoc. 24 min

Kadzidłowo Wildlife Park

A large park with native animal species that you see on a guided walk. One of the region's family classics.

For families

ActiveKrutyńc. 20 min

Kayaking on the Krutynia

One of the most beautiful kayak trails in Poland. Clear water, forest and calm stretches for beginners.

For families

NatureKrutyńc. 22 min

Krutynia Dolna nature reserve

A forest and water reserve protecting the lower Krutynia, its oxbow lakes and riverside plants. Best explored by kayak.

NatureKrutyńc. 21 min

Zakręt nature reserve

A short forest path leads to small, overgrowing lakes with floating islands. An intimate nature trip without the crowds.

For families

NatureKrutyńc. 20 min

Krutyń Nature Room

A small exhibition of the Masurian Landscape Park that helps you recognise what you will later see in the forest and by the river.

For familiesRainy day

CulturePiersławekc. 24 min

Ernst Wiechert Museum

The forester's lodge where the Masurian writer Ernst Wiechert was born. The interior, keepsakes and forest tell an unusually complete story.

Rainy day

CulturePraniec. 42 min

Pranie Forester's Lodge

The Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński Museum on Lake Nidzkie. Poetry, a pine forest and summer concerts meet in one place.

Rainy day

By the waterPieckic. 14 min

Lake Wągiel

A large, calm lake near Piecki, good for swimming, kayaking and resting away from the biggest Masurian harbours.

For families

ActivePieckic. 13 min

Family Tourist Trail

A local route combining nature, history and tasks for the youngest. A good way to get to know Piecki without a car.

For families

HistoryRync. 43 min

Ryn Castle

A monumental Teutonic castle towering over the town. The courtyard, historic interiors and the legend of the White Lady give it its atmosphere.

By the waterRync. 44 min

Ryn Ekomarina

A modern harbour on Lake Ryńskie, a few steps from the castle and the old mill. A good start for a walk around town.

By the waterRync. 44 min

Lake Ryńskie waterfront

A promenade with stylish lamps, benches and a view of the harbour. In the evening the castle and the town are reflected in the water.

For families

ActiveRync. 43 min

Trail around Lake Ołów

An easy walking and cycling loop around a clean lake. In an hour it swaps the pace of town for the quiet of the forest.

For families

For familiesRync. 43 min

Ryn town beach

A bathing area on Lake Ołów with a jetty and easy access from the walking trail. A good place for a family stop.

For families

HistoryRync. 42 min

Dutch windmill

A brick windmill from 1873 on a hill at the entrance to Ryn. A symbol of the town with a wide view of the area.

HistoryRync. 42 min

Historic water tower

A brick piece of the old town infrastructure that shows a less obvious, industrial layer of Ryn's history.

CultureRync. 43 min

Ryn Museum Collection

Local history, archaeology and everyday objects of Ryn's residents. An intimate place right next to the main attractions.

Rainy day

HistoryKętrzync. 52 min

Teutonic Castle in Kętrzyn

A rebuilt Gothic stronghold above the Guber river, with a courtyard and museum collections of early art. One of the highlights of the castle trail.

CultureKętrzync. 52 min

Wojciech Kętrzyński Museum

Gothic art, regional history and a rare child's funeral banner, displayed in the castle interiors.

Rainy day

HistoryKętrzync. 52 min

St George's Basilica

One of the best-preserved fortified churches in Masuria. In season its tower offers a wide view over Kętrzyn.

Rainy day

HistoryKętrzync. 51 min

Former Masonic Lodge

A neo-Gothic building with distinctive turrets, now used for culture. One of the most unusual historic buildings in town.

Rainy day

For familiesKętrzync. 50 min

Kętrzyn Stud Farm

A historic complex of red-brick stables with a long tradition of horse breeding. Check the dates of shows and competitions.

For families

For familiesKętrzync. 51 min

Santa Claus Consulate

A colourful bauble workshop with decorating classes and a festive mood whatever the season. An attraction especially for children.

For familiesRainy day

HistoryGierłożc. 52 min

Wolf's Lair

A vast complex of bunkers of Hitler's former headquarters hidden in a dense forest. A place that needs time and historical context.

For families

For familiesGierłożc. 52 min

Mazurolandia

A park of miniatures of Warmia and Masuria, military exhibits, a knights' stronghold and play areas. It can be combined with a visit to the Wolf's Lair.

For families

CultureŚwięta Lipkac. 52 min

Święta Lipka Sanctuary

A Baroque pilgrimage church famous for its moving organ figures and lavish interior. Try to time your visit with an organ demonstration.

Rainy day

HistoryReszelc. 59 min

Castle of the Warmian Bishops

A Gothic castle in one of the prettiest small towns in the region. The tower, the courtyard and a walk around Reszel's old town.

CultureOwczarniac. 48 min

Masurian Museum in Owczarnia

The authentic interior of a Masurian cottage, old household tools and the story of everyday life in the region.

Rainy day

HistoryNakomiadyc. 45 min

Nakomiady Palace and Manufactory

A restored Baroque palace, a park and a tiled stove workshop. An elegant, less obvious stop between the lakes.

HistoryGiżyckoc. 55 min

Boyen Fortress

A 19th-century star-shaped fortress on the isthmus between lakes Niegocin and Kisajno. Exhibitions, re-enactments and a walk around the walls and moat.

For families

HistoryGiżyckoc. 55 min

Giżycko swing bridge

A bridge from 1898 over the Łuczański Canal that swings 90 degrees to let yachts through. One person turns the whole span by hand.

ViewpointsGiżyckoc. 57 min

Giżycko water tower

A brick tower from 1900 with a viewing terrace over the town and Lake Niegocin. 129 steps lead to the top, where there is a café.

By the waterGiżyckoc. 57 min

Giżycko Ekomarina

A modern passenger harbour on Lake Niegocin opened in 2010. Yachts, a tavern and the start of cruises on the Great Masurian Lakes.

ViewpointsGiżyckoc. 58 min

Giżycko pier

A 71-metre walkway with lifts, easy with a pushchair too. Best at sunset, with a view of the lake and the harbour.

For families

For familiesGiżyckoc. 57 min

Town beach on Lake Niegocin

A wide, sandy beach by the harbour with volleyball, basketball and football courts, a skating track and a skatepark.

For families

By the waterGiżyckoc. 54 min

Boat cruises from Giżycko

Żegluga Mazurska cruises on lakes Niegocin and Kisajno and day trips to Mikołajki and Węgorzewo. Boats run from May to September.

For families

By the waterGiżyckoc. 55 min

Łuczański Canal

A canal over two kilometres long linking lakes Niegocin and Kisajno, full of yachts and boats. You can walk along the bank all the way to the swing bridge.

HistoryGiżyckoc. 55 min

Teutonic Castle in Giżycko

A medieval castle on the Łuczański Canal, rebuilt many times over the centuries. Today it houses the St. Bruno hotel with a pool and spa.

HistoryGiżyckoc. 56 min

Lutheran church in Giżycko

A neoclassical church from 1827 in the town centre, with a bright interior and wooden galleries. One of Giżycko's most important historic buildings.

Rainy day

HistoryGiżyckoc. 56 min

The Shelter and Schron Art Gallery

A restored air-raid shelter under Plac Grunwaldzki with an exhibition of local artists and photos of old Giżycko. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Rainy day

ActiveGiżyckoc. 55 min

Wiewióra Rope Park

Five courses in the forest by Lake Popówka Mała, zip lines over the water and a big ball pit. Right next to Boyen Fortress.

For families

By the waterGiżyckoc. 54 min

Lake Niegocin

One of the largest lakes in Masuria, 40 metres deep, with harbours, a beach and sails all the way to the horizon.

NatureGiżyckoc. 55 min

Lake Kisajno

A lake north of Giżycko, joined to Lake Niegocin by a canal, with many islands. Part of the Mamry lake system.

For familiesWilkasyc. 50 min

Parrot house in Wilkasy

Nearly 80 tame parrots of 25 species that you can feed, stroke and photograph. Open all year.

For familiesRainy day

For familiesSpytkowoc. 61 min

Native American Museum in Spytkowo

A museum of the Native peoples of North America with a real tipi, clothing and weapons, plus bread baking, soap making and archery workshops.

For familiesRainy day

NatureWoliskoc. 95 min

Bison enclosure in Wolisko

European bison from the Borecka Forest seen up close in the Borki Forest District enclosure. Free entry at set times.

For families

NatureBorecka Forestc. 95 min

Borecka Forest

A vast forest east of Giżycko with lakes, nature reserves and free-roaming European bison. A good destination for a whole day in the woods.

HistoryGiżyckoc. 56 min

A walk around central Giżycko

19th-century town houses, Plac Grunwaldzki and the streets between the harbour and the fortress. A good plan for an hour between a cruise and dinner.

HistoryGiżyckoc. 54 min

St Bruno's Cross

A cross above Lake Niegocin commemorating St Bruno of Querfurt, who came to bring Christianity to the Prussians. A peaceful spot with a view of the lake.

By the waterWęgorzewoc. 84 min

Węgorzewo Canal

A 920-metre canal linking Lake Mamry with the harbour in Węgorzewo. A walking and cycling path runs alongside, and beavers and herons live on its banks.

By the waterWęgorzewoc. 81 min

Keja harbour

A harbour full of yachts with a tavern by the water. A good place for lunch and a walk at sunset.

HistoryWęgorzewoc. 80 min

Teutonic Castle in Węgorzewo

A castle built by the Teutonic Knights in the late 14th century on the Węgorapa river. It is privately owned, so you see it from the outside, best from the river.

HistoryWęgorzewoc. 81 min

Church of Saints Peter and Paul

A 17th-century church with an altar from 1652, a Gothic vault and one of the oldest organs in Masuria.

Rainy day

CultureWęgorzewoc. 80 min

Museum of Folk Culture in Węgorzewo

Costumes, textiles, tools and folk art in a historic building on the Węgorapa. Next door is an open-air museum with craft workshops.

Rainy day

CultureWęgorzewoc. 80 min

Ethnographic Park on the Węgorapa

An open-air museum of 18th and 19th-century Masurian buildings with weaving and pottery workshops, right next to the Museum of Folk Culture.

For families

CultureWęgorzewoc. 78 min

Museum of Railway Tradition

A museum in the station building with old timetables, photos and maps. It runs workshops for children and adults.

For familiesRainy day

For familiesWęgorzewoc. 81 min

Town beach on Lake Mamry

A sandy beach with a lifeguarded bathing area in summer, a jetty, a volleyball court and places to eat.

For families

For familiesWęgorzewoc. 81 min

Jerzy Helwing Park

A park in a bend of the Węgorapa with a playground, an illuminated fountain, sports pitches and a road safety park for children.

For families

HistoryKalc. 82 min

Kal Column

A three-metre brick column in a former cemetery, with plaques in four languages, commemorating a 16th-century story of two pairs of lovers.

HistorySztynortc. 72 min

Lehndorff Palace in Sztynort

The former seat of the von Lehndorff family, one of the finest residences of East Prussia. Work to save the ruins is under way, and a large harbour lies next to it.

HistoryMamerkic. 71 min

Mamerki bunkers

The former Army High Command headquarters from the Second World War, about 30 bunkers in the forest. On site there is a viewing tower and a replica of the Amber Room.

For families

By the waterSztynortc. 72 min

Sztynort harbour

One of the largest marinas in Masuria, with about 450 berths for yachts, taverns and boat charters on the Great Lakes trail.

By the waterWęgorzewoc. 71 min

Lake Mamry

The second-largest lake in Poland and the northern end of the Great Masurian Lakes trail. Islands, bays and plenty of wind for sailors.

HistoryPozezdrzec. 71 min

Himmler's Hochwald headquarters

Ruins of Himmler's field headquarters from the Second World War in the forest near Pozezdrze. A marked path leads to the bunkers.